KANO, Nigeria — The Kano State Hisbah Board has arrested a group of young men and five women for allegedly conducting a marriage ceremony without parental consent or following Islamic legal procedures in the Nasarawa area of Kano city.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Hisbah officials, the suspects organized what appeared to be a wedding between a man and a woman without notifying their parents or fulfilling the necessary Islamic requirements. The incident reportedly took place earlier this week and drew the attention of residents, who alerted Hisbah authorities.

The Hisbah, known as the state’s Islamic morality police, said it intervened after receiving reports that the ceremony violated Islamic marriage rules. Hisbah operatives then moved to the area, where they arrested the individuals involved.

Speaking to journalists, Hisbah spokesperson Abdullahi Usman confirmed the arrest, saying the suspects were taken into custody for questioning and investigation.

“Our officers received credible information that a group of young men and women organized a marriage without parental approval or the required Islamic procedures. This act is contrary to Islamic teachings and the laws guiding marriage in Kano State,” Usman said.

He explained that the board has launched a full investigation to determine the motive behind the ceremony and the role of each suspect.

“We will ensure that due process is followed. Those found guilty of violating the Islamic marriage process will face appropriate action according to Sharia law and the state’s moral codes,” he added.

Hisbah officials emphasized that marriage in Islam requires the consent of both families and the presence of witnesses, along with a valid bride price (mahr). Any ceremony conducted outside these principles, they said, is not recognized by Islamic law.

Local residents expressed mixed reactions to the arrest. Some praised the Hisbah for upholding moral standards in society, while others urged the board to handle the matter with understanding and compassion, especially if the individuals acted out of ignorance.

A resident of the area, Malam Bashir Ali, told reporters that the group had been seen gathering frequently in the neighborhood and were believed to be planning a marriage event.

“Many people thought it was a simple youth celebration, but later it turned out to be a wedding without parents’ knowledge. That’s when the Hisbah came and arrested them,” Ali said.

The Hisbah Board, established by the Kano State government, is responsible for enforcing Islamic values, promoting modest behavior, and preventing immoral acts such as alcohol consumption, prostitution, and indecent dressing. The board often works in line with Sharia principles implemented in Kano since the early 2000s.

In recent years, Hisbah has conducted several arrests related to moral offenses, including cases of illegal relationships, indecent public gatherings, and unapproved marriages.

While supporters view the board as essential in maintaining discipline and protecting Islamic culture, critics argue that its actions sometimes infringe on individual rights and privacy.

As of press time, the suspects remain in Hisbah custody, and investigations are ongoing. The board has said it will release further information once its findings are concluded.